Finding True Rest for My Soul in God
Evening Scripture
Psalm, Chapter 62
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down — this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”
Evening Reflection
Have you ever been so tired that no amount of sleep, rest, relaxation, or energy drinks seems to help? Or, maybe no matter how exhausted you are, sleep eludes you? Your body might be fatigued, but your mind is still working overtime without pay. Just a few nights ago, this was me.
My day had been overwhelming, to say the least. I’d walked 20,000 steps, been to three places, written 4 articles, and was still kicking by 9 p.m. Until my mind wouldn’t shut off. As I tossed and turned, I replayed conversations from the day and worries from the night. No matter how many sheep I counted, I knew I wasn’t going to get much sleep.
When you think about your life, what keeps you up? Are you restless? Worried? Scared?
In Psalm 62, David gives us a picture of rest that you might find surprising. While many of his psalms praise and thank God, this one isn’t written from a perfectly peaceful life, but quite the opposite. He’s facing enemies, fake friends, and very real battles. And yet, he repeatedly declares that his soul finds rest in God. How can this be possible?
Because David knows rest will never be found in our circumstances but in our God. And when we shift our eyes from what we see to who He is, that changes everything.
You and I will still face hard times and many questions without answers, but this passage reminds us to take the pressure off ourselves: rest is a gift that comes from God.
Yes, we need to have healthy bedtime habits, sleep well, and take care of our bodies, but rest isn’t always the result of circumstances becoming peaceful. Deep soul rest is choosing where we run with that unrest. Will we continue to run to our problems or our God?
David is honest with God about what he’s carrying. But he also asks Him to remind him where his hope is found. We can do the same.
Tonight, as you prepare for rest, ask yourself:
What am I trying to carry alone that I need to talk to God about?
What do I know about God’s character in this situation?
What would it look like to rest with God this evening?
Then, take a slow, deep breath and have an honest heart-to-heart with Him.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Tonight, my soul feels weary. I’m carrying ____ and need your help. Thank you for allowing me to express how I’m feeling. Thank you for being my Rock, Refuge, and Safe place. As I pour out my heart to you, hear my pleas. Allow me to find deep rest in you. I love you, Lord.
Amen.
Agape, Amber
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
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